I defy you to find a funnier and sharper Marx Brothers' movie than Animal Crackers. In fact, I defy you to find a funnier movie than Animal Crackers. It is sharp, witty and timeless. Almost 100 years old and I recently watched it again and can not believe how it holds up. While there are some cultural and entertainment ent references that are dated, the essence of the comedy and the interplay of the characters is magnificent. This is what comedy should be. As a movie of the 1930's there are some musical numbers, which was standard for the day-I don't love that, but it is not enough of a distraction to keep me from still recommending it.
Reviews
646 Reviews
The Last Stop in Yuma County
(2023)
About As Good An Independent Film as You Will Find
16 June 2024
About As Good An Independent Film as You Will Find. The Last Stop in Yuma County (2024) is a terrific small, crime thriller. It is centered around a small Arizona Diner and gas station that becomes the center of a bank robbery hideout and hostage situation. The characters and the film noir are the strengths of this movie. In many ways it pays homage to older films like Psycho, Natural Born Killers, Albino Alligator, and Bogart's The Petrified Forest. The Direction by Francis Gallup is sharp-he is clearly a student of films. The acting of everyone is great. Jim Cummings, as the Norman Bates look alike, is great. Richard Blake, a veteran of Rob Zombie horror, is terrific as one of the bank robbers. Jocelyn Donahue is majestic in the role of the waitress. Faizon Love steals every scene he is in. Quirky, smart, engaging, and with a great soundtrack. I highly recommend it.
Hit Man
(2023)
Not Great
14 June 2024
This is one of the more disappointing releases of the last year. There was much hype, and even, positive reviews following this release about a teacher by day, "Hitman" by night. This is an action infused romantic-comedy. It does have some decent moments and smiles. The cast is actually very good. The chemistry between the two leads is strong. The supporting cast holds up. The Direction is decent. The issue is, simply, that-it is decent. It never rises to the level of being a top notch action thriller, or romantic comedy. It plays more the role of filler than something to get excited about. It is loosely based on a real story about a person who passed away in 2022.
What Jennifer Did
(2024)
Decent True Crime Story
11 June 2024
This is a decent enough Netflix documentary about the murder and attempted murder of a set of strict immigrant parents and the assault of their only daughter. While the motive appears to be a robbery, or drug related revenge killing there may be more. That is what this one is about. Mostly told through interviews and archival interrogation footage it is not too long and decent enough. Not a real brain twister, but if you like true crime it is worth a watch. I did not find it to be the best or the worst of the real crime documentaries but still very watchable. Telling more would be to provide spoilers, which we don't do.
300: Rise of an Empire
(2014)
Decent Installment
7 June 2024
So 300 is the a Classic film that changed the face of films. It is an epic piece of historical fiction based upon a comic novel that was a highly popular. Frank Miller masterfully outlined this and it was masterfully executed by the filmmakers. Gerard Butler's performance as King Leonidis of Sparta was memorable and often quoted. This film is a sequel and prequel to the original. It is a good and bloody, violent action film with a unique look similar to the original. There are many returning and many new characters. Eva Green is great as the Persian General. Despite all the good, it is not the original and Butler is really missed.
Lumberjack the Monster
(2023)
Cool and Unusual
7 June 2024
This is a very cool and unusual thriller out of the Japanese film market. From the very beginning it will have you engaged in its creepy feel and disturbing imagery. The movie has many elements involving modern scientific and biological experimentation and their dangers- a modern day Frankenstein's tale, if you will. The acting and cinematography are very engaging. The characters are strong. The story is good, but there are elements that are a little hard to follow. The pacing and action are good. I really like the films of Japan. They have their own sensibility and sense of originality. Worth seeing.
Godzilla Minus One
(2023)
The Best Since the First
3 June 2024
Godzilla:Minus One is the best Godzilla movie since the original Japanese and American version of the story. It is not exactly a remake, prequel, or sequel. It is somewhat of a retelling of the classic and it works for many of the reasons the original worked and more. The movie is based on a story where the monster is a vehicle for telling the story- not the central character. I love the over the top Godzilla movies, but this is not that kind of movie. This is a solid script. The acting is good and heartfelt. The look and special effects are a throwback and homage to the original. This was a very engaging movie and I highly recommend it.
Blind War
(2022)
Good ThrowBack Action Film
29 May 2024
Blind War (2024) Harkens Back to 80's Hong Kong Action. Blind War (2024) is a modern Chinese police martial arts action thriller starring Andy On as the heroic police officer blinded and forced into retirement amidst a violent, public terrorist attack. Despite his heroism, the results of his actions caused political unrest, and he became the public scapegoat for the police department.
Left blind, bitter, and abandoned by everyone but his daughter, he becomes obsessed with her protection. When his daughter becomes the victim of a revenge kidnapping, the action kicks into high gear. This is the basis of the film's dramatic plot.
The film has many call backs to the flood of Hong Kong Action films of the 1980's and 90's. There is a lot of well choreographed, albeit, unrealistic fight scenes, family drama, and some Buster Keaton-esque humor, which became a staple of many action films in the sub-genre; most notably, Jackie Chan's. Much of the film's look, scripting, and fighting is "over the top", but that is part of the design, and part of the charm. Blind War is fun to watch.
Andy On is good in the lead roll, and the film's Direction by Huo Suiting is very sound. The movie will keep you interested throughout, and is heavy on action and violence. The characters and the players are good.
I recommend Blind War for fans of 1980's Hong Kong films, as well as action films that were never familiar with that sub-genre.
Left blind, bitter, and abandoned by everyone but his daughter, he becomes obsessed with her protection. When his daughter becomes the victim of a revenge kidnapping, the action kicks into high gear. This is the basis of the film's dramatic plot.
The film has many call backs to the flood of Hong Kong Action films of the 1980's and 90's. There is a lot of well choreographed, albeit, unrealistic fight scenes, family drama, and some Buster Keaton-esque humor, which became a staple of many action films in the sub-genre; most notably, Jackie Chan's. Much of the film's look, scripting, and fighting is "over the top", but that is part of the design, and part of the charm. Blind War is fun to watch.
Andy On is good in the lead roll, and the film's Direction by Huo Suiting is very sound. The movie will keep you interested throughout, and is heavy on action and violence. The characters and the players are good.
I recommend Blind War for fans of 1980's Hong Kong films, as well as action films that were never familiar with that sub-genre.
Seinfeld
(1989–1998)
A Timeless Show
23 May 2024
I knew about Seinfeld when it was in first run but I never watched it. I just rewatched all the Seasons and was genuinely impressed. It is truly iconic and funny and really, for the most part, stands the test of time. The characters are the heart of the show. There is much written about Seinfeld is the weakest link, but he does a good job. The truth is just that the cast around Jerry Seinfeld are just so good Starting with Jason Alexander as George, Michael Richards as Kramer. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine, and the timeless, Jerry Stiller and Frank Costanza. There are many memorable episodes and moments. This is a great show.
Creation of the Gods is an Epic Tale
21 May 2024
CREATION OF THE GODS I: KINGDOM OF STORMS (2024), is the long delayed action-fantasy film that is finally hitting US markets next week. This is the first part of an epic trilogy based upon a Chinese fictional legends that date back as old as China itself.
The story of the film's creation is almost as epic as the film's story. All three (3) installments of this trilogy were filmed in 2o18. Due to the 2020 Global Pandemic's decimation of the film industry, and a series of financial issues which impacted the movie studio, the film became stalled in post production. It was almost not released, at all. However, work was done to release the first film in the hopes of its success bolstering the ability to improve certain post production aspects of the second and third installment-particularly in the special effects area. This film may be good enough to help achieve that goal.
The film is a large scale historical epic with elements of fantasy and mythology guiding the story and the characters. This is, essentially, a film about the historic battle for control of the Chinese Empire. The battle is played out on Earth, but the mythological gods of China are prominent players in this film.
The story is so interwoven into Chinese culture that many viewers may already have a pre-conceived notion of how the story should be told. For viewers like me, the story is previously unknown. That being the case, I have no such notions, and, therefore, the film speaks for itself. It is an action packed, and engaging adventure.
The film has a large and dynamic cast. This cast has great screen presence and does a good job carrying the story. My understanding is that many of the cast members trained for six months to endure some of the physical aspects of the film, and the stunts required. That training paid off. The action and battle scenes are very well done, and enjoyable to watch.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is action packed from the first moment, and this level is maintained throughout the film. There are no slow moments in this one-it will keep you entertained throughout, despite the long run time.
This film, like many coming out of China, have underlying themes of a love for the country, the country's rich history, and the belief that China's path was forged in both Heaven and Earth. Whether you believe that, or not, the concepts make for rich storytelling.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is a worthwhile endeavor.
The story of the film's creation is almost as epic as the film's story. All three (3) installments of this trilogy were filmed in 2o18. Due to the 2020 Global Pandemic's decimation of the film industry, and a series of financial issues which impacted the movie studio, the film became stalled in post production. It was almost not released, at all. However, work was done to release the first film in the hopes of its success bolstering the ability to improve certain post production aspects of the second and third installment-particularly in the special effects area. This film may be good enough to help achieve that goal.
The film is a large scale historical epic with elements of fantasy and mythology guiding the story and the characters. This is, essentially, a film about the historic battle for control of the Chinese Empire. The battle is played out on Earth, but the mythological gods of China are prominent players in this film.
The story is so interwoven into Chinese culture that many viewers may already have a pre-conceived notion of how the story should be told. For viewers like me, the story is previously unknown. That being the case, I have no such notions, and, therefore, the film speaks for itself. It is an action packed, and engaging adventure.
The film has a large and dynamic cast. This cast has great screen presence and does a good job carrying the story. My understanding is that many of the cast members trained for six months to endure some of the physical aspects of the film, and the stunts required. That training paid off. The action and battle scenes are very well done, and enjoyable to watch.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is action packed from the first moment, and this level is maintained throughout the film. There are no slow moments in this one-it will keep you entertained throughout, despite the long run time.
This film, like many coming out of China, have underlying themes of a love for the country, the country's rich history, and the belief that China's path was forged in both Heaven and Earth. Whether you believe that, or not, the concepts make for rich storytelling.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is a worthwhile endeavor.
Creation of The Gods is an Epic Tale
21 May 2024
CREATION OF THE GODS I: KINGDOM OF STORMS (2024), is the long delayed action-fantasy film that is finally hitting US markets next week. This is the first part of an epic trilogy based upon a Chinese fictional legends that date back as old as China itself.
The story of the film's creation is almost as epic as the film's story. All three (3) installments of this trilogy were filmed in 2o18. Due to the 2020 Global Pandemic's decimation of the film industry, and a series of financial issues which impacted the movie studio, the film became stalled in post production. It was almost not released, at all. However, work was done to release the first film in the hopes of its success bolstering the ability to improve certain post production aspects of the second and third installment-particularly in the special effects area. This film may be good enough to help achieve that goal.
The film is a large scale historical epic with elements of fantasy and mythology guiding the story and the characters. This is, essentially, a film about the historic battle for control of the Chinese Empire. The battle is played out on Earth, but the mythological gods of China are prominent players in this film.
The story is so interwoven into Chinese culture that many viewers may already have a pre-conceived notion of how the story should be told. For viewers like me, the story is previously unknown. That being the case, I have no such notions, and, therefore, the film speaks for itself. It is an action packed, and engaging adventure.
The film has a large and dynamic cast. This cast has great screen presence and does a good job carrying the story. My understanding is that many of the cast members trained for six months to endure some of the physical aspects of the film, and the stunts required. That training paid off. The action and battle scenes are very well done, and enjoyable to watch.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is action packed from the first moment, and this level is maintained throughout the film. There are no slow moments in this one-it will keep you entertained throughout, despite the long run time.
This film, like many coming out of China, have underlying themes of a love for the country, the country's rich history, and the belief that China's path was forged in both Heaven and Earth. Whether you believe that, or not, the concepts make for rich storytelling.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is a worthwhile endeavor, and knowing the back story enriches the viewing experience.
The story of the film's creation is almost as epic as the film's story. All three (3) installments of this trilogy were filmed in 2o18. Due to the 2020 Global Pandemic's decimation of the film industry, and a series of financial issues which impacted the movie studio, the film became stalled in post production. It was almost not released, at all. However, work was done to release the first film in the hopes of its success bolstering the ability to improve certain post production aspects of the second and third installment-particularly in the special effects area. This film may be good enough to help achieve that goal.
The film is a large scale historical epic with elements of fantasy and mythology guiding the story and the characters. This is, essentially, a film about the historic battle for control of the Chinese Empire. The battle is played out on Earth, but the mythological gods of China are prominent players in this film.
The story is so interwoven into Chinese culture that many viewers may already have a pre-conceived notion of how the story should be told. For viewers like me, the story is previously unknown. That being the case, I have no such notions, and, therefore, the film speaks for itself. It is an action packed, and engaging adventure.
The film has a large and dynamic cast. This cast has great screen presence and does a good job carrying the story. My understanding is that many of the cast members trained for six months to endure some of the physical aspects of the film, and the stunts required. That training paid off. The action and battle scenes are very well done, and enjoyable to watch.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is action packed from the first moment, and this level is maintained throughout the film. There are no slow moments in this one-it will keep you entertained throughout, despite the long run time.
This film, like many coming out of China, have underlying themes of a love for the country, the country's rich history, and the belief that China's path was forged in both Heaven and Earth. Whether you believe that, or not, the concepts make for rich storytelling.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is a worthwhile endeavor, and knowing the back story enriches the viewing experience.
Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die
(2024 TV Special)
Another Funny One
16 May 2024
Nikki Glaser is a very funny comedian that trades off her sexy persona and her sexual openness . This special is very good. It is not her best work, but it has some very funny moments. Glaser is, seemingly, very open and that is her charm. I say seemingly because it is unclear whether she really is the wild, sexually open person she purports to be, or it is just a hysterical character. I am guessing the latter more than the former. There are many cringeworthy moments intentionally caused by her and much like the style she uses in her Roasts. The special is tight and has many call backs and good stories. She is fun to watch.
Oppenheimer
(I) (2023)
The Success of This Gives Me Hope
13 May 2024
In a world of superhero and comic book movies where most people cannot even name an important scientist to make a movie of this type is a bold achievement in and of itself. If the movie were just base don this it would still be important but this is a triumphant piece of filmmaking. It is brilliantly Directed, written, filmed, and musically scored. This movie is filled with terrific and award winning performances. Its use of editing for the time transitions is distinctly Christopher Nolan. The movie tells an important story in a sophisticated way to pays proper homage to the subject matter and to the science. Much of it is complex but told in a digestible fashion. The story of the American fear in the infancy of the Cold War is powerful. The cast is stellar, stellar. Stellar.
Monkey Man
(2024)
Terrific Independent Action Film
4 May 2024
This is clearly the passion project of Dev Patel. He wrote, Directed, and stars in Monkey Man. This is the story of an Indian man seeking revenge, after years of planning, against the organized crime family that killed his mother. The film is truly impressive at, only $10 million; which alleged to be the cost to make it. It has the look and feel of a much larger movie. The story is basic Martial Arts Films 101- revenge for the death of a loved one. The fight choreography, the cinematography, the action, and, even, the acting is good in this one. There are moments when the shaky camera is distracting. The violence and bloody are visceral. Patel is very believable in this.
The Judge
(2014)
Heavily Driven By Stong Perfromances
3 May 2024
This is a very powerful movie that uses the circumstances of a young successful lawyer's alienation from his father as the foundation to tell a powerful story about family life and struggles, parental alienation, small town life and more. Robert Downey Jr. Plays the big city lawyer that comes to his home town, after the death of his mother, to then be dragged into representing his father in defense of a manslaughter case. The performance by Robert Duvall is among his best. Downey r., Vincent Dinofrio, Billy Bob Thornton, and Verma Famiga are incredible good. There are parts of the script and dialogue that are unnecessarily campy; however, it is a worthwhile way to spend time.
One More Shot
(2024)
Another Risk Well Taken
2 May 2024
The predecessor to this film, One Shot, was a unique experiment in action filmmaking. It seemed to be shot in one continuous sequence. It does not jump around in edited from location to location- it follows one linear path at a time. The stateside story of a terrorist transported by Scott Adkins, who is the linchpin to a terrorist plot around the State of the Union address is very engaging and cool. The story and acting are good. The action is unrelenting. The look and feel matches the first one. James Numm;s filmmaking works. Michael Jai White is a great addition to the film. He, like Adkins, is a always fun to watch on screen no matter the budget of the film.
The Holdovers
(2023)
Truly Perfect Film
1 May 2024
This is a wonderfully made movie. Many movies have many elements that are good. This movie has all of them. It is about as close to perfect as you will ever see. The story, set in the 1970's, is about a group (to start) of students that have nowhere to go over Christmas break, so they are forced to remain on campus. Paul Giamatti is brilliant as the bright, but odd ball, lonely, teacher with a drinking problem. Da'Vine Joy Randolph is so incredibly moving as the mother of a son killed in Vietnam. Her Oscar was so deserved. Every scene with her in this film is so moving. Dominic Sessa brings a comfortable joy to the role of the troubled student left alone at the holidays despite his, otherwise, privilege. This is well written, well acted, well directed. The music. The scenery, the look of the film are just so engaging. See this film.
City Hunter
(2024)
This is Not Good
30 April 2024
This is a frenetic, Japanese, cartoonish martial arts action adventure. It has many good elements, like the violent and exciting martial arts action scenes and gun play. Much of this is clearly influenced by the first Matrix film. It has a lot of Japanese tropes and much of the comedic Japanese style. The problem with the film is that it is just too confusing. There is realism and then superhero, cartoon sequences and violence. The story is very hard to follow about an outbreak of Japanese violence, possibly, caused by the impact of an injected, illegal drug. The fight choreography is pretty good.
The Bricklayer
(2023)
Some Redeeming Qualities- Aaron Eckhart is Good
29 April 2024
This decent, but not great movie, is a good warm up to Eckhart in a follow up Jesse V. John son Film, Chief of Station. Eckhart is surprisingly good as a bitter, undercover operative, trying to capture and kill a rogue CIA agent blackmailing the Agency and killing reporters. Nina Dobrev is beautiful, but not great in this. Part of it is not her fault-she has some very silly lines throughout as the desk officer who is sent out to the field. Rent Harlan's Direction is the heart of the problem, particularly in the fight choreography. He uses a lot of techniques to cover up lack of fighting skills of the players. The budget is low but the film is medium.
Anyone But You
(2023)
Likeable But Not Good
28 April 2024
So it is very hard for any red blooded male not to like Sydney Sweeney. She is beautiful and sexy and charming. This Rom-com vehicle is predictable, silly, and unrealistic; however, it still works. The story of two sexy young singles pretending to fight the fact that they are sexually and romantically attracted to each other. The cast and characters are really very amusing, especially Bryan Brown, the Australian boyfriend, and Gata. The background of Australia is helpful to perpetuating the story and many of the themes are geared towards the teenage/twenty something generation. Over 50's may feel a little lost.
Grindhouse
(2007)
What a Cool Trip
24 April 2024
This is everything you would expect from this team of filmmakers. It is a campy, violent, unique homage' to the low budget horror films of the 1960's and 1970's. Everything about it fits the bill, including the way in which it is shot. A purposefully weak plot. A script filled with campy lines. Characters that are more caricatures. It is all so well done. What is also amazing is how this film is so ahead of the Zombie craze that followed with series like "The Walking Dead" and movies like, "Last Train to Busan". This has a terrific cast, all who are in on the joke. The special effects are great. Harder to make in 2007 than it would be today.
The Roundup: No Way Out
(2023)
Super Fun
23 April 2024
This is a super fun, high action police thriller sequel to the highly successful "Roundup" series. Ma Dong-Seok, or Don Lee, leads a cast of Lorean Police Detectives willing to use unconventional methodologies to solve their cases. The story is about a corrupt Korean police element working with the Japanese Yakuza on an international drug ring to distribute a new drug. There are elements of cross and double cross and it is very watchable. It is funny in a sarcastic way, but at its core, a police action film, like lethal Weapon. I much prefer the Korean with English subtitles to the Dubbed. Looking forward to next installment.
Poor Things
(2023)
So Odd and Unusual
21 April 2024
This movie has so many brilliant aspects. It is, essentially, a modern Frankenstein tale told through the eyes of the Great filmmaker, Yorgos Lanthamos. The film is beautifully shot, in a unique way- it is unlike any other film I can recall. It is well acted. The characters and story are interwoven with the bizarre and sexual undertones that Lanthamos is known for. I was intrigued by this film from the first moment it started until it ended; however, unlike Dogtooth or The Killing of A Sacred Deer, I can't say I like it. If this were Lanthimos' first film I am not certain I would jump to see another one. That doesn't;t mean it isn't worth watching.
Fallout
(2024– )
Fantastic Futuristic Series
17 April 2024
I am not a video game person. I have no prior knowledge of the video games this is based on. I watched this because I heard there was a similarity between this and The Last id US, which I loved. There is some similiarity in that there is a grim, post-apocalyptic setting and a "quest", but it has a very different tone. I love the 1950's "frozen in time" infused nature of this one. Walter Goggins is always good and this is no exception. The series is littered with commentary about the attempts to live in a Utopian society, and the failings of mankind. It is part sci-fi, part western, part drama and more. It is interesting, visually terrific. Well scripted. It is well Directed. It is very, very watchable. The acting is great. There are many cameos and famous stars throughout. I liked this a lot. There is a lot of thought provoking social and political commentary throughout.
The Beekeeper
(2024)
Completely Incredulous But Fun
7 April 2024
I love Jason Statham. He is a dynamic force of sarcasm, action, and excitement on the silver screen. This movie is a silly script, based upon a premise of revenge because the bad guys crossed the wrong guy. In this case the man crossed, Statham, is a Beekeeper. The Beekeeper moniker is not just for the guy who harvest bees but relates to covert government activity-making him a deadly adversary. There are great elements to the movie. The violence and action are highly watchable. Statham and Jeremy Irons are both very good. The action is good. The heart is there. Some of the dialogue is corny. Many of the characters are too "over the top", and much of the film is not believable. I still enjoyed it.
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